The award, presented annually by the archdiocese’s Catholic Youth Organization and Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office, highlights the efforts of those who have made significant contributions to young adult ministry through faith formation and pastoral outreach efforts.

“We are very proud of Kurt’s award by the archdiocese. He is a tireless worker and has spent his life in ministry working with young people,” said the Rev. Ted Dziak, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry at Loyola. “He is committed to Loyola, the archdiocese and anyone else who may need him."

Bindewald credits his involvement with Loyola’s efforts to expand young adult ministry programs as the main reason for being recognized by the archdiocese.

“The archdiocese has always had a very strong youth component, but there has been a concerted effort under Archbishop Aymond to expand ministry outreach to people in the 18-40 age range,” Bindewald said. “One way that we’ve been able to help the archdiocese is by implementing our Christian Life Community model, which allows young people, once a week, to come together and discuss how they are finding God in their lives. We originally thought we’d have trouble finding enough people to organize one group, but it’s really caught on and we now have six or seven groups.

“The archdiocese has recognized me with this award, but it really reflects on Loyola as a whole.”

To learn more about young adult and student ministry groups, contact the Office of Mission and Ministry at 504-865-3226 or ministry@loyno.edu.